'Hwarang' release date: Upcoming Korean drama will be pre-produced like 'Descendants of the Sun'

Korean period drama, Hwarang, is expected to return during winter 2017.Hwarang-The-Beginning/Facebook

Looks like upcoming Korean drama "Hwarang" is all set to dethrone "Descendants of the Sun [DOTS]" as the most-hyped and popular K-drama of 2016.

The eagerly-awaited historical drama, set to air on KBS, stars currently some of the hottest actors and artistes in the Korean entertainment industry â€” such as Park Seo Joon, Shinee's Minho and BTS' V. The show was reportedly sold to China at a higher price than even the smash hit series "Descendants of the Sun," reports Design & Trend.

Earlier this week, a KBS representative confirmed these new details about the upcoming drama and also revealed that the show might be slated for a winter premiere date and that it would be completely pre-produced, similar to "Descendants of the Sun."

"'Hwarang' wasn't going to be pre-produced, but following 'DOTS' which was pre-produced, we decided to do it. We have sold 'Hwarang' to China for a higher price than we did for 'DOTS'," the KBS rep confirmed to Sports Today (via Allkpop). "Hwarang will air this coming winter," he added.

Reportedly, filming for "Hwarang" will likely wrap up in July, and August will be spent editing the filmed content. Post the editing, "Hwarang" will be reviewed in China â€” this process will take about three months, which is why the earliest possible time for the drama to go on air would be around November. "Hwarang," like "Descendants of the Sun," is expected to air simultaneously in South Korea and China.

"Hwarang: The Beginning," will follow the story of the Hwarang warriors of the ancient Korean kingdom, Silla. Also known as Flowering Knights, the Hwarang warriors were a group of young, highly educated, elite aristocratic warriors who were known for their use of make-up, cosmetic decorations and accessories.